Bandari look to Ochuka to anchor their mid-season revival

The tide is shifting once again at Bandari FC, and standing firmly between the posts is a familiar figure whose presence has long symbolised calm amid chaos.

Veteran goalkeeper Joseph Okoth Ochuka has returned to the Dockers for a third spell, determined to steady the club’s course in the demanding waters of the FKF Premier League.

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At the coastal grounds of Mbaraki Sports Club, where the breeze from the Indian Ocean sweeps across the terraces, Ochuka’s reappearance has been greeted as the return of a trusted guardian.

For years, the goalkeeper has represented reliability at the back for Bandari, a player whose calm command of the penalty area has often steadied the team during difficult stretches.

Nicknamed “Spiderman” and “Spoti” for his acrobatic reflexes and ability to claw the ball away from danger, Ochuka rejoined the Dockers in late January after departing Tusker FC. His arrival filled the void left by former first-choice goalkeeper Levis Opiyo, who recently completed a move to ZESCO United.

For Ochuka, however, the return carries a meaning that goes far beyond a routine transfer.

“I feel like Bandari is home for me,” Ochuka said. “When the chance came to return, I did not hesitate because this club has always been special to me.”

He paused briefly before revealing the deeper motivation behind his comeback. “I believe I still have unfinished business here,” he added. “There are things we started building before, and I want to help finish that journey.”

Ochuka’s previous chapter at Bandari remains vividly etched in the memories of Dockers supporters. During the 2023–24 season, he produced what many regard as the finest campaign of his career, establishing himself as one of the most dependable goalkeepers in the Kenyan top flight.

Twelve clean sheets placed him among the league’s elite custodians, but the numbers alone never fully captured his influence. What truly elevated his reputation was a remarkable moment that still circulates in Kenyan football highlights — a spectacular goal scored directly from a towering goal kick that travelled the entire length of the pitch before catching the opposing goalkeeper off guard.

Recalling that season, Ochuka believes it revealed the type of team Bandari can become when discipline and unity come together.

“That season showed what we are capable of when we work together,” he said. “We were organised, focused and very difficult for opponents to break down.”

“That is the spirit we want to bring back,” he continued. “If we defend well and trust each other on the pitch, we can compete with anyone in this league.”

Before returning to Mombasa, Ochuka spent eighteen months at Tusker, one of the most competitive environments in Kenyan football. The Brewers’ goalkeeping unit included established names such as Brian Opondo and Brandon Obiero, creating an atmosphere where every training session demanded high standards.

For Ochuka, that competition became a valuable learning experience. “My time at Tusker helped me grow a lot,” he explained. “Training with quality goalkeepers every day pushes you to raise your standards.”

“Competition makes you sharper,” he added. “It forces you to improve your concentration, your positioning and your decision-making.”

Yet when Bandari reached out earlier this year, the decision to return felt natural. “When Bandari contacted me, I felt it was the right moment,” he said. “This is a club where I understand the culture and where I believe my experience can make a difference.”

Now back in the dressing room, Ochuka sees his responsibilities stretching beyond the goal line. As one of the squad’s senior players, he has embraced a leadership role that involves guiding younger teammates and helping organise the defensive unit.

“As one of the senior players, my role is to guide the younger players,” he said. “Goalkeeping is not just about saving shots — it’s about organising the defence and helping the team stay calm under pressure.”

His steady performances have also attracted the attention of national team selectors, earning him a call-up to the Harambee Stars squad preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.

“Representing the national team is always a dream,” Ochuka said. “When you receive that call, it reminds you that your hard work is being noticed.”

Still, the goalkeeper insists that the path to international recognition begins with consistent performances at the club level.

“Everything starts with performing well for your club,” he said. “If I do my job well at Bandari, the opportunities with the national team will follow.”

Bandari’s current position in the league table reflects a season still searching for rhythm. With 32 points from 23 matches, the Dockers sit ninth — a position that captures both their promise and their inconsistency.

Recent results illustrate that uneven form. There was a thrilling 3–2 victory away to Murang'a SEAL and a determined draw against AFC Leopards, yet the team also suffered a 2–0 defeat to reigning champions Kenya Police FC and a frustrating stalemate with Nairobi United.

For Ochuka, the solution lies in consistency and discipline. “We have shown that we can compete with strong teams,” he said. “The challenge now is maintaining that level in every match.”

“If we stay compact at the back and take our chances in attack,” he added, “we will start collecting more points.”

Guiding the team’s rebuilding effort is head coach Bernard Mwalala, who returned to the club in January after leaving Shabana FC. His appointment followed the departure of Moroccan tactician Mohamed Borji and signalled the beginning of a new chapter for the Dockers.

Mwalala quickly steadied the side, leading Bandari through an early four-match unbeaten run that included three victories and a draw.

“Our priority was to stabilise the team,” Mwalala said. “We needed to rebuild confidence and remind the players of their quality.”

Bandari also strengthened their squad during the January transfer window. Left-back Herit Mungai Atariza arrived from Mathare United, while Cameroonian midfielder Bertrand Ngafei Konfor reinforced the centre of the park. Winger Darius Msagha also returned, while long-range specialist Abdallah Hassan recently resumed training after recovering from injury.

Bandari’s next challenge comes against Mara Sugar FC at Mbaraki — a fixture Ochuka believes offers another opportunity to build momentum and reconnect with supporters.